Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir Enters Al-Aqsa Mosque Amid Hanukkah Celebrations, Drawing Hamas Condemnation and Heightened Tensions

Dec 26, 2024, 07:21 AM

On December 26, 2024, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, coinciding with the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. This visit, which included prayers at the Temple Mount, has drawn criticism and heightened tensions in the region. Ben-Gvir's actions were reportedly supported by heavily armed Israeli forces, and they have sparked condemnation from Hamas, which described the incursion as a serious violation and a reflection of the extremist government's escalation against the mosque and its Islamic identity. Reports indicated that groups of Israeli settlers also entered the mosque compound during this time, performing religious rituals under the protection of Israeli security forces.